Vlaandere en Suid-Afrika: Normalisering van politieke en kulturele betrekkinge sedert 1990

Abstract

Flanders, the northern, Dutch-speaking regional state of Belgium, traditionally regarded the preservation and strengthening of language and cultural ties with the Afrikaner as of the utmost importance. In this article the normalisation of political and cultural relations between Flanders and South Africa will be analysed in the period since 1990. The Flemish government would become more involved in developmental projects in South Africa regarding housing, health and education. The kinship between the Afrikaners and the Flemish people contributed greatly to the lively cultural interaction regarding congresses and visits by writers, poets and artists. Afrikaans books were promoted and Afrikaans was taught at various Flemish universities. There were also positive signs regarding governmental support for the Afrikaans language in Flanders.

Keywords

• afrikaans
• belgium
• flanders
• south africa
• political relations
• cultural ties
• development co-operation